File No. 812.63/400
Ambassador Fletcher to the Secretary of State
Mexico City, March 10, 1917, 2 p.m.
14. My telegram February 26, 5 p.m. Discussed with First Chief and Minister for Foreign Affairs plan suggested in your 8, February 24, 1 p.m. First Chief stated that he thought it would be better for the mine owners who were unable to operate, to apply for an extension of time and assured me that in all cases where conditions were such that it was impossible to resume operations an extension would be granted. He also said that it was not the intention of the de facto Government to compromise these properties and that his Government would proceed in accordance with the rules of justice and equity. I would suggest that all American mine owners who are unable to resume operations and who have not applied for an extension of time be notified to do so immediately. These applications should be made directly to the Minister of Fomento in Spanish stating name, title, number of, location and size of the mining property; also the reasons for failure to operate the property. The petition must bear a fifty cent Mexican documentary stamp and be accompanied by the last tax receipt.